About this Retreat
Corey Martin is a Yale-trained family physician driven to change the delivery of healthcare and improve the mental and physical health of our communities. He is a founder of
Innovations in Resilience and the
Bounce Back Project, a practicing private group physician, Bush Fellow, and a consultant to many healthcare and educational organizations in their response to clinician burnout. Driven to do this work by the loss of two colleagues and friends, Corey strives to create an environment of opportunity in which all of us can do the deep, heartfelt work of changing the way we show up and interact in each other’s lives.
One of the ways he does this is by facilitating resilience retreats across the United States and throughout the world. He is both a Certified Daring Way Facilitator and Center for Courage and Renewal Facilitator in training and facilitates workshops based on the work of Brené Brown and Parker Palmer. In his free time, he enjoys working on his farm which he has recently turned into an event center. He lives in Maple Lake, MN with his three daughters. He is a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring “good enoughist”.
Conall Mallen is a retired member of An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police service, where he served for 35 years. For much of his career, he led the selection, training, and team development of specialist tactical firearms units. Working in high-stakes environments, he developed a deep understanding of leadership in both crisis and calm, especially in the moments that follow high-stress events, when clarity, trust, and empathy are most needed.
Alongside his work in law enforcement, he has spent the last 27 years practicing Cranio-Sacral Therapy, with a focus on newborns and adults navigating somatic emotional release. Trained through the Upledger Institute, he aims to offer a healing approach that is grounded, gentle, and rooted in body awareness. He is also a certified yoga instructor and is passionate about the prevention of burnout, the integration of trauma, and the restoration of inner balance.
With decades of experience supporting others through high-pressure situations and deeply personal processes, his approach integrates lived experience with evidence based practice that supports resilience, authentic leadership, and personal transformation.
He draws inspiration from, and believes in, the power of human connection, courage, and compassionate presence. He lives near the west coast of Ireland and can often be found in the sea, in the hills, or in circle with others doing the work of coming home to themselves.
Sorcha Mallen is a conflict coach and mediator devoted to helping individuals and communities transform conflict into connection. With a Master’s in Mediation and Conflict Intervention, ICF Coaching accreditation, and certification as a CINERGY™ Conflict Coach, Sorcha brings a grounded, compassionate presence to her work in schools, organisations, and communities.
As the founder of Rooted Resolutions, Sorcha blends restorative practices, somatic awareness, and spirituality to support a holistic, heart-led approach to conflict resolution and resiliency. Her trainings and facilitation centre the body, the breath, and the wisdom within, helping people to meet challenge and uncertainty, with clarity, courage, and care.
Sorcha draws meaning and inspiration from a wide range of modalities that reconnect us to the ever-present place within, so we can step into life and leadership from connection rather than reactivity. Splitting her time between Ireland and Bali, her work is animated by a deep reverence for joy, awe, and the power of relationship.
Outside of work, Sorcha finds nourishment in surf and water photography, poetry, and the devotional practices of Bhakti yoga and kirtan. She is learning day-by-day, to listen closely to her inner guidance, and to stay open to the callings of her "one wild and precious life".
Details of this retreat
THE DARING CAMINO, MORE THAN A RETREAT - A PILGRIMAGE TO YOURSELF
May 10-17, 2026
Join us on a soul-stirring journey through Spain’s legendary Camino de Santiago, a 70-mile pilgrimage from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela that has changed lives for centuries. This powerful retreat is designed to help you realign your mind, body, and spirit while walking through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in northern Spain. This is more than a walk—it's a sacred journey of personal transformation. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, recovering from burnout, or simply yearning for deeper meaning, the Camino offers space to reflect, release, and renew. As you walk ancient paths through forests, farmland, and centuries-old villages, you’ll reconnect with your purpose, build emotional resilience, and rediscover what truly matters.
Guided by Experts, Held by Community
Each day includes inspiring group sessions grounded in the work of the Center for Courage & Renewal and Brené Brown’s The Daring Way™. Led by expert facilitators, these interactive experiences explore vulnerability, shame, courage, and the tools needed to live a more authentic and wholehearted life. Together, we’ll examine the stories we tell ourselves and develop practices to bounce forward from life’s challenges with grace and grit.
Travel Light—In Every Way
This journey is designed for all walking levels and includes a support van for luggage transfer and rider assistance—so you can travel light, both physically and emotionally. You’ll carry only a small daypack as you walk at your own pace, with the freedom to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty around you. And if at any point you need a lift to the next stop, we’ve got you.
Where We Stay & What We Eat
Each evening, we’ll rest in carefully chosen boutique inns, restored farmhouses, and charming local hotels, offering comfort, character, and a deep sense of place. Savor authentic Galician cuisine and local wines, celebrate your progress with fellow pilgrims, and unwind in peaceful surroundings that nourish the soul.
Why This Camino?
If you’re ready to step away from the noise, walk with intention, and return home with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose, this journey is calling you. Let the Camino change you—just as it has changed so many others. We’ve chosen the Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago for its beauty, accessibility, and spiritual richness. As the most iconic stretch of the El Camino, it’s ideal for connecting with fellow pilgrims from around the world while honoring your own unique path.
$3699 Shared / $4599 Single
30+ CME/CEUs Available
TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE
7:00am – 7:30am: Breakfast at the hotel
7:30am – 12:00pm: Daily inspirational sessions drawn from the work of Brené Brown, Parker Palmer and other thought leaders in burnout prevention and resilience
12:00pm – 6:00pm: Hiking the camino
6:00pm – 7:30pm: Personal reflection or relaxation time
7:30 pm – 8:00pm: Social Hour
8:00pm – 9:30pm: Group Dinner (yes, they eat very late in Spain!)
*Subject to change depending on weather, group needs, and spontaneous moments of magic along the trail.
DAILY CAMINO ITINERARY
Walk. Reflect. Grow. Each day brings new landscapes, new insights, and new connections—with nature, others, and yourself.
Day 1: Welcome to Sarria (May 10th)
Arrive in the charming town of Sarria, the traditional starting point for pilgrims walking the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago. You can check into the hotel beginning at 3:00pm, though you’re welcome to arrive earlier to explore the town’s historic quarter, visit the Monastery of Magdalena, or enjoy a quiet coffee in a local café.
At 4:00pm, we’ll gather for our opening group session. Through meaningful introductions and a shared ceremony, we’ll set the tone for our journey—one rooted in courage, vulnerability, and community. We’ll outline our learning priorities and individual intentions, forging a brave space where each of us can show up fully for ourselves and one another. Hotel: Alfonso IX.
Included: Dinner, pilgrim shell, Camino passport, route notes, and luggage tags.
Day 2: Sarria to Portomarín
We’ll begin the day with reflective educational sessions on gratitude, connection, and the mindset shifts that open us to transformation. From there, your Camino journey begins along one of its most peaceful and verdant stretches. Today’s path winds through shaded woodlands, stone hamlets, and small farms, offering rolling hills and quiet beauty. You’ll cross medieval bridges and pass moss-covered walls, sharing the trail with fellow pilgrims from around the world. The day ends with a dramatic descent into the riverside town of Portomarín, once submerged and now rebuilt stone-by-stone above the Miño River. Hotel: Pousada de Portomarín. Hiking distance: 14.5 miles.
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Portomarín to Palas de Rei
This morning’s group session focuses on how to create space in your life—space to breathe, heal, and allow clarity to emerge. We’ll explore values, boundaries, and how to clear the clutter—externally and internally—to make room for meaning and purpose. The trail ascends gently into forested hills and then opens into sweeping farmland and ancient waypoints. You’ll pass the legendary Church of Santa María and walk in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims, crossing through Ligonde—a village once visited by Charlemagne. The rhythm of walking invites deep reflection on what you’re ready to release and what you’re making space for. Hotel: Pousada de Portomarín. Hiking distance: 15.5 miles.
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Palas de Rei to Melide (10 miles)
Our morning gathering delves into some of the deeper waters of the journey—perfectionism, grief, and forgiveness. Through story and guided practice, we’ll consider what needs to be laid down in order to walk forward with lightness and authenticity. Today’s path takes you through eucalyptus-scented forests, over medieval bridges, and into some of the most picturesque villages along the route. Pause in San Xulián to visit its 12th-century church, or simply walk in silence, letting the beauty speak for itself. We’ll arrive in Melide, a lively town with deep pilgrim roots and excellent pulperías for another go at Galicia’s iconic dish. Hotel: Pension Casa Teodoro. Hiking distance: 10 miles.
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Melide to Arzúa (8 miles)
Today’s shorter walk gives space for deeper inner work. Our morning session uses clearness committees to support each participant in clarifying what they most desire and how to align their life with that vision. The trail brings us through tranquil countryside dotted with dairy farms and hamlets. You'll pass centuries-old chapels and walk across medieval stone bridges. Stop for fresh cheese or empanadas gallegas at a wayside stand, and notice how each step feels lighter. We’ll end the day in Arzúa, a peaceful village with a strong sense of hospitality and rest. Hotel: Pension Casa Teodoro. Hiking distance: 8 miles.
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Arzúa to Arca do Pino (12.5 miles)
This morning’s focus is transitions—how to navigate change with intention and grace. Through journaling and dialogue, we’ll reflect on the “in-between” spaces of our lives and how to hold them with curiosity and hope. The trail meanders through shaded forests and tiny villages whose very names—Rúa, Calle, Calzada—mean “road.” These ancient paths are lined with stone walls, blooming hydrangeas, and echoes of a thousand years of pilgrims who came before you. As we near Arca do Pino, there’s a growing sense of anticipation: Santiago is just ahead. Hotel: Pension ARCA. Hiking distance: 12.5 miles.
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Arca do Pino to Santiago de Compostela (12.5 miles)
Our final morning session centers on reclaiming your story. We’ll reflect on what has emerged, what you’re carrying home, and how you want to live going forward—with clarity, courage, and renewed purpose. The final miles of the Camino take us to Monte do Gozo (“Mount of Joy”), where pilgrims have historically glimpsed the Cathedral towers for the first time. From there, we descend into Santiago de Compostela and arrive in the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro, completing our pilgrimage. You’ll receive your official Compostela Certificate, attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, and if we’re lucky, witness the Botafumeiro—an awe-inspiring incense ceremony inside the cathedral. Hotel: San Lorenzo. Hiking distance: 12.5 miles.
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Departure Day or Optional Finisterre Extension (May 17th)
After breakfast, the retreat officially concludes. Some participants will choose to remain in Santiago to explore its rich history, cafes, and cobblestone streets. Others may continue westward on an optional extension to Finisterre—the mythical “End of the Earth”—where pilgrims once burned their old clothes and watched the sun set into the Atlantic, symbolizing rebirth.
Whether your journey ends here or continues, you’ll leave with more than just miles walked. You’ll leave with insight, connection, and a renewed sense of the path ahead.
Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Optional Extension to Finisterre – Where Land Meets Mystery
Complete your Camino pilgrimage with an inspiring day trip to the rugged Costa da Morte. We’ll start in Muxía, visiting the Santuario da Virxe da Barca, a dramatic seaside sanctuary where legend tells of the Virgin Mary’s stone boat arrival. Here, you’ll see the famous balancing Pedra de Abalar and experience the powerful coastal landscape that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Next, we travel to Finisterre, once believed to be the very edge of the world. We’ll visit the iconic Finisterre Lighthouse perched atop cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, then descend to the stunning Playa do Mar de Fora beach—an evocative place where many pilgrims pause to reflect, release, and renew. The landscape here invites a deep connection with nature and your own journey’s meaning. Our day concludes with a leisurely lunch at the marina, enjoying fresh local seafood and shared stories before returning to Santiago. This extension offers a meaningful and reflective close to your Camino experience, blending history, myth, and the raw beauty of the sea. We will leave right after breakfast and will be back in Santiago by 5pm.
Included: Private transport, guided visits, and time for reflection.
TRAVEL SUPPORT
This retreat is not an endurance challenge—it’s a spiritual journey. Many participants find that their most powerful lesson isn’t walking every mile, but rather learning to ask for help when they need it. Our van support ensures you can travel light, and when the body says “rest,” you're free to receive a ride to the next destination. Asking for help is not a setback—it’s part of the pilgrimage.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Expert bilingual Camino guides
Daily educational and reflective sessions on resilience, burnout prevention, and authentic living
7 nights in charming inns and boutique hotels
Daily breakfasts and dinners with wine
Van support for luggage and optional transport during walks
A pre-retreat Zoom session to help you prepare for the experience
A post-retreat Zoom session to help you integrate new insights
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Ground transport to and from the retreat (e.g., bus/train to Sarria)
Daily lunches
Gratuities for guides
Travel insurance (Click here for a quote)
CANCELLATION DETAILS
Cancellations prior to January 10, 2026 are subject to a $500 cancellation fee
Non-refundable on or after January 10, 2026
If Bounce Travels cancels the retreat, you’ll receive a full refund minus credit card fees, or you may apply your balance toward another Bounce Travels retreat through the end of the following year.
CONTINUTING EDUCATION CREDITS (CME/CEU)
This experience qualifies for up to 30 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits through ReflectCE, a platform for capturing professional reflections in real time. Eligible for physicians, nurses, NPs, pharmacists, dentists, and other licensed health professionals. Learn more about how reflection can earn you CE credits at ReflectCE.
🌊 WADE IN EXPERIENCE
You’ve started exploring your inner life—maybe through a book, a podcast, therapy, or a few reflective conversations—and now you’re ready for more. This experience offers grounding tools, mindset shifts, and meaningful dialogue to support your next steps. It’s a great fit for those looking to reconnect with themselves and gain momentum in their growth journey
💧 Retreat Depth
Who It’s For
What to Expect
💦 Dip Your Toes
Brand new to personal growth or retreat spaces
Gentle, welcoming, and low-pressure. A perfect introduction to self-reflection, connection, and emotional wellbeing—without overwhelm.
🌊 Wade In
You’ve started exploring inner work or want to revisit the basics
Reflective practices, mindset shifts, and tools for resilience. Ideal for folks ready to grow, but not quite ready to cannonball.
🌊🌊 Swim Out
You’ve done some personal work and are ready to go further
More depth, more vulnerability, and more challenge. You’ll explore identity, relationships, and what’s getting in your way.
🌊🌊🌊 Go Deep
You’re experienced in inner work and craving transformation
Brave spaces, soulful inquiry, and a strong container for people navigating transitions, reinvention, or purpose. Designed for the seasoned soul.
Verified
